Traveling with Pets

Author: Paul Nelson


Pets have special needs when they travel, so planning ahead is
essential. This advice can help you make sure your pet is
prepared to travel long distances locally.

Taking your pet on a holiday

Your pet should be wearing a collar with its name and your
contact number on it. In Australia we use the microchip system,
which is highly effective and recommended. Recently laws have
changed and it is illegal to have unchipped animals. If your dog
is returned to the rspca or to the local vet, they can scan the
microchip and find your contact details. This is really
important as your pet may become disorientated or panic and run
away or get lost.

Car Sickness

In particular if your pet is a kitten or a puppy they won't have
traveled in a car before so its a good idea to get them used to
the feeling. To do this take them for short rides. Use this
experience to familiarize them with where they sit in the car.
If your dog or cat is particularly anxious in the car bring
there bed or basket so that they can settle down in there own
space in the car. Some people prefer to use carriers for there
pets especially on long drives, put something of your pets
inside the carrier to reinforce that traveling is a postive
experience. Sometimes using a small treat to get them
comfortable in the carrier can be helpful.

Don't feed your pet right before leaving. Feed the night before
as this will mean your pets stomach is settled. If you travel
with your pet regularly and they have persistent carsickness
your vet might prescribe motion sickness medication. To combat
motion sickness and travel fatigue in your pet remember to give
them frequent stops at parks so they can walk around go to the
toilet. At these stops it is better to walk your pet on a lead
as they might be disorientated and run off.

If you are intending to take your pet on a long plane journey
and know it is very anxious then you may be able to speak to
your vet about having a tranquilizer prescribed.

Packing for your pets holiday

Before leaving home you need to pack some practical things like
a water dish, feed dish, plastic bags, a lead and your pets
favorite blanket or perhaps a favorite toy to make the journey a
lot more comfortable. If you pet requires any medication
remember to carry this. If your move is permanent you can
arrange to get a copy of your pets records from your vet so that
you can give these to the vet in your new area.

Search for pet friendly accommodation

If you are going on a long journey use the internet to search
for pet friendly hotels or camping along the way. This is also a
good reason to have your pets health documentation with you, as
campgrounds, hotels or kennels will need to see these before
they allow your pet to stay.

Traveling to another country Get a current health certificate
from your vet

Make sure your pet has all current vaccines, and up to date flea
and heartworm prevention

Check airline pet policies- most require a special pet ticket.
Some airlines will also give instructions where to deliver your
pet as they may not check in with your regular luggage.

Find out what the quarantine policy is for every country/state
you will be traveling through

Sites which provide information specifically on quarantine rules.

www.petsonthego.com USA, Canada, Mexico www.airpets.co.uk UK,
Europe www.pet.net.au Australia, New Zealand
www.quarantine.co.uk UK, Europe

About the author:
Paul Nelson loves to write articles for Animal lovers, and real
Issues facing day to day issues. http://www.vetstop.com